The former Liverpool boss has been a long-term supporter of the families of the 96 victims of the 1989 disaster.

Benitez took time out ahead of Newcastle’s Saturday evening match against Sheffield Wednesday and laid a wreath at the memorial near the main entrance to the Hillsborough football ground.

The Magpies manager developed a strong emotional bond with Liverpool fans during his time in the North West and the 56-year-old’s family still live on Merseyside.

Rafa Benítez has taken time out to lay a wreath at the Hillsborough memorial in Sheffield this morning

Even since leaving Anfield in 2010, Benitez has continued to supporter the campaign of the families who lost loved ones at Hillsborough on April 15, 1989.

Benitez donated £96,000 to the Hillsborough Family Support Group shortly after leaving the Reds in 2010.

Last April, Benitez welcomed the verdict of the Hillsborough inquests, which found that the 96 Liverpool fans who died were “unlawfully killed” - while he also paid tribute to the “dignity” of the families during their 28-year campaign for justice.

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Speaking 12 months ago, Benitez said of the verdict of the Hillsborough inquests: “After so many years fighting for justice I am really pleased to see the verdict today, which confirms what we have been saying for a long time.

“I am especially pleased for the families of the 96 who have sought justice for so long and with such dignity, as well as for the people of Liverpool and for football fans in general.

“Hopefully this verdict today will ensure that this kind of tragedy can never happen again.”